Million Dollar Lasagna

Few dishes can match the hearty satisfaction and crowd-pleasing magic of a classic lasagna—but Million Dollar Lasagna takes it to the next level. Creamy, cheesy, rich, and meaty, this recipe earns its extravagant name with layers of flavor and indulgence. A luxurious mix of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream brings an unexpected twist to the traditional ricotta filling, making it decadently creamy without being overly heavy. Combine that with hearty meat sauce, melted mozzarella, and golden Parmesan on top, and you’ve got a lasagna that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet Italian kitchen.

Despite its over-the-top flavor, this lasagna is simple enough for weeknight dinners and satisfying enough for Sunday family meals or potlucks. It’s freezer-friendly, feeds a crowd, and always garners rave reviews. Whether you’re serving it up for a holiday, hosting guests, or just looking to treat yourself, Million Dollar Lasagna is a guaranteed winner that tastes like a million bucks—without spending a fortune or hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultra Creamy Filling – The blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates an unmatched richness and texture.
2. Hearty and Satisfying – With layers of pasta, seasoned meat, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
3. Great for Make-Ahead Meals – Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready, making dinner stress-free.
4. Feeds a Crowd – Generous portions and filling layers make this perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
5. Freezer-Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• Italian sausage or ground beef
• Spaghetti sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Cottage cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Dried parsley
• Mozzarella cheese slices
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

• Use Ricotta Instead of Cottage Cheese: For a more traditional texture, swap in ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese.
• Add Vegetables: Layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used as lighter or vegetarian alternatives.
• Try a White Sauce: Substitute the red sauce with a creamy Alfredo or béchamel for a unique twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Step 3

Add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning to the meat. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4

In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 6

Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by one-third of the cheese mixture, then slices of mozzarella, then meat sauce. Repeat layers two more times.

Step 7

Top the final layer with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 9

Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Soften Cream Cheese Ahead of Time: It mixes more easily and evenly with the other ingredients.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better during baking.
• Let it Rest: Waiting after baking helps the lasagna set and makes it easier to slice.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated.
• Double and Freeze One: Make two batches and freeze one for an easy meal later.

How to Serve

Serve Million Dollar Lasagna with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich, savory flavors perfectly. It also stands alone beautifully as a main course for holidays, dinner parties, or Sunday supper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled lasagna in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot throughout.

FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist during baking.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit the meat and add sautéed veggies or a plant-based meat alternative.

3. Is cottage cheese necessary?

No, you can substitute ricotta or even a mix of ricotta and mascarpone for a smoother filling.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

5. What’s the best way to freeze this lasagna?

Wrap it tightly in foil, then plastic wrap, and label it. Thaw before baking for best results.

6. Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, jarred spaghetti sauce works perfectly and saves time.

7. How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking and only remove it near the end.

8. What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Low-moisture mozzarella slices work best—they melt evenly without making the dish watery.

9. Why is it called “Million Dollar” lasagna?

Because it’s ultra-rich, creamy, and indulgent—tasting like something you’d pay a premium for at a restaurant.

10. Can I make it in a smaller pan?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the ingredient quantities and baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is everything you love about traditional lasagna—plus a luxurious twist that makes it even more irresistible. The rich cheese filling, savory meat sauce, and layers of pasta come together in a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a crowd or freezing portions for easy meals later, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and taste the difference—it’s comfort food that truly lives up to its name.

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